The Importance of Support Groups for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury
- Encouragement is given to assist members in achieving their rehabilitation goals.
- Members are encouraged not to give up when the going is tough and when things do not come easily.
- There will be assistance in helping a brain injured person acknowledge their losses and to move on with their new life.
- Members share their personal experiences which often helps others with their own problems.
- Being a member of a support group helps those with injuries retain a continuing safety net. Many survivors have lost their homes, their jobs and their families. They do not have a healthy network of family and friends who are involved with their rehabilitation. Many are unable to return to the jobs they had pre-injury. They have nowhere to turn and often no motivation to look for help. Support groups can help them through these difficult times. Brain injuries are a lifelong disability and as such will require lifelong assistance. Support groups can fill this need.
- Members of support groups will hear stories of others' challenges and successes which may help them with motivation.
- Support groups can give assistance in helping to get resources, information, education and help.
- Attendance in a group will almost certainly ensure inclusion in social activities, the opportunity to become aware of recreation programs and to learn about the available community services.
- Sharing experiences can bolster self-awareness and self-esteem.
- Many groups have access to a resource library.
- Help is offered in coping with difficulties associated with brain injuries and also with anger management problems.
- Most groups will have speakers in to discuss relevant problems, give information on brain injuries and its effects as well as give assurances that they are not alone.
- Many groups offer life skills classes and help with adjusting to deficits.
- A few will offer counseling or make recommendations of where to go for counseling.
- Because all members have experienced similar difficulties, they support each other, listen, and understand the problems each person is faced with.
- Some groups meet on a drop-in basis while others meet on regular days at specified times with people who attend each meeting faithfully.
Those who have taken that step to joining a support group have also taken one of their first steps towards accepting their new life and moving forward.
About the Author:
Sylvia Behnish has published her first non-fiction book entitled, 'Roller Coaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)'. It tells of their journey along the path of progress during the first year following Sylvia's partner's serious accident. She has also had numerous articles published in newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States. To order Roller Coaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones) go to: orders@trafford.com Website: http://www.talesbysylvia.com Blog: http://www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com
